Thief 4

Thief is an immersive stealth and larceny game set in a steampunk-inspired Victorian London. As the player, you take on the role of a skilled thief named Garrett, tasked with stealing specific objects as requested by your crime provider, Basso. The game also features a captivating main plot filled with intrigue and surprises, where not everyone is as they seem.

Thief offers a first-person perspective that truly puts you in the shoes of Garrett. The level of realism is remarkable, with your hands interacting with the environment at all times. From picking locks and touching objects to leaning on walls and pulling curtains aside, the attention to detail is exceptional. The graphics are top-notch, except for the occasional switch to a third-person view during wall climbing sequences.

The game revolves around the experience of being a thief, going beyond just the story and objectives. Your success depends on playing quietly, staying hidden in the shadows, and utilizing gadgets to your advantage. Stealing various items, such as handbags, rings, boxes, and safes, is crucial as it provides you with money to purchase upgrades for your tools and new skills.

Thief offers a balanced gameplay experience, allowing players to progress at their own pace. Concentration, a temporary power, plays a significant role in the game, enabling you to see footprints, tracks, enemies, slow down time, and even become stronger. The flexibility extends to the difficulty levels, which can be customized to suit your preferences, enhancing replayability.

While Thief provides freedom in terms of gameplay style, the scenarios themselves are somewhat linear. The main missions guide you with an arrow on the screen, limiting your choices in terms of exploration. However, the game compensates for this with a central city hub that connects everything, offering freedom of movement, side missions, and opportunities to improve your skills.

Analog control is essential in Thief, as it allows for precise movements and interactions with the environment. The gamepad is used extensively, not only for controlling walking speed but also for the tactile experience of feeling objects and locks when stealing.

Thief utilizes the Unreal Engine, resulting in impressive graphics with stunning lighting effects. The interplay between light and shadow is crucial for staying undetected, and the realistic portrayal of both adds to the immersive experience. The enemy AI is well-developed, with enemies reacting appropriately to suspicious activities and actively searching for you if spotted.

In conclusion, Thief is a stealth and infiltration game that excels in its setting, controls, and immersive gameplay. While the main missions may feel somewhat linear, the side missions offer more flexibility. With technical correctness and the ability to adjust difficulty, Thief is a game to be enjoyed at your own pace, allowing you to truly feel like a master thief.